The new mantra of AOC and other liberal leaders these
days is to tax the rich. The arguments
sometimes suggest America's fat cats didn’t really earn what they have, so
it is high time to take some of it back, better yet, take all of it (over 50
years). Socialist candidates say they want to redistribute wealth fairly. We
say Americans are Taxed Enough Already, so we decided to put a calculator to
their crazy socialist tax policy ideas.

What if we butcher all the pigs?

AOC vaguely refers to the “tippy top” of the upper class
while Elizabeth Warren, a multi-millionaire herself, wants to limit the
slaughter to people with assets in excess of $50 million. If she dropped the
number much lower, she herself could wind up in the gilded pen. In reality, the
private jet crowd with assets over $50 million represents a very small
subclass of the rich, so just to make mathematical sense of the new liberal
redistribution model we had to expand the base by lowering the wealth cutoff
to $ 5 million, which is to say family taxpayer asset totals including all
bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate, yachts, and so forth. Sorry
Senator, you’re in the pen with the rest of the rich pigs and ready for the
liberals to feast on.

There are about 2 million Americans successful enough to
enjoy a net worth over a million
dollars, the "one carrot" number many blue states now consider merely being a member of their successful middle class.
One million dollar net worth is sometimes referred to as beer and pretzels rich. In the eyes of
politicians, the $ 1 - 5 million net worth demographic group proves delicate
because it encompasses large donor bases for both parties. As such, these
folks are not yet fat enough for the liberal tax slaughterhouse,
nor would it be wise for Democrats to ever suggest it.

What if the pigs revolt?

One of the ways the rich get richer is by watching the
lips of politicians. At best, the mainline media will give an occasional
blink through a peephole into $5000 a plate dinners and birthday bash
fundraisers. In truth, these events may be fun but are often not
particularly relevant to how Senate campaigns raise millions for a run. The
fact is the "real" donors, with established budgets, agendas (often
unspoken), and candidate screening approaches, seldom attend plate fund
raisers; and, when they do, nobody asks them for a check at the door.
Conversely, they may send in a check but pass on the filet and not even
attend. The agenda for them is not about a party. The donor class
communicates with campaign finance directors and they almost always meet
with candidates one on one.

Opensecrets.org provides demographics expanding the
media peephole into the real world of campaign finance. First, with a
US population over 320 million, the actual number of people who donate over
$200 is quite small - less than half a percent. Federal election rules cap
individual donations (by a person to a candidate, to a PAC, etc.) at $2700.
If there is a spouse name on the check, double it. States operate under
their own rules. The percentage of the population called "max donors" who
exceed the $2700 limit is a mere .07 percent of the population. or about
224,000 people. It is difficult to be precise, but this number correlates
roughly with known wealth statistics and suggests net worth among this group
above $ 4 million ("Cruise ship and Disney" rich).

Within this group, it is reasonable to believe most are
independent thinkers, yet there is evidence candidates are discussed among
them at cocktail parties and on the golf course; and, of course, there is a
known group of "Koch followers" who seem to set their budgets and pick
candidate recipients with notable correlation. Justifiably, the public, the
media, and even the candidates all recognize mixing money and Washington can
be problematic. Unfortunately, for most politicians, cutting off the "pigs"
is a proven path toward political failure. It is what it is, like it or not,
at least until the system changes.

If elected officials draft or support legislation
provocative to the real donor class, they take a risk. At times, this even
appears to gridlock the government. Still, simple microeconomics suggests
taxes, family budgets, and political action all tend to be fungible and/or
mutually offsetting. If the family jet needs an unexpected turbine
overhaul, something else might give; for example, passing on the next art
auction. When the tax bill goes up by $ 25,000, it isn't necessarily a
reason to lose sleep if the $50,000 election budget can be adjusted to make
up the difference.

For finance directors, raising campaign funds can be a
bit like walking through a casino, pulling on the handles but not always
knowing for sure why a jackpot hits here, but not there. Prior to the Trump
Effect, which raised stock prices 30 percent, political campaigns were
feeling a different "Trump effect" as
a
notable donor shortage developed. It seems a billionaire claiming he
didn't need OPM ("other people's money") in order to win was being taken
literally by the donor class. Swamp spray was landing on other candidates
who relied on the real donor class to win.

In full context, the idea of pulling a tax break away
from the real donor class is somewhat analogous to demanding payment of a
University parking ticket from the nice widow who's name is on the building.
It's touchy, to say the least; and, as recently taught, Jeff Bezos doesn't
want the Amazon name on a New York building if politicians begin suggesting
they should be writing Amazon a bunch of "parking tickets." Mr. Bezos
probably took no pleasure in cracking the whip on utter nonsense; however,
he has an obligation to protect both himself and his shareholders from utter
nonsense.

Yes, successful politicians on both sides of
the aisle are smart enough to get all this, recognizing both donor and
candidate can lose if the relationship becomes strained. The real question
for each elected official lies in where public rhetoric stops and tangible
action begins. Talk is cheap and there is always a chance to clear it up in
the "one on one." In defense of politicians, if the field offices are
flooded with complaints about a company's consumer abuses or fraud, the
company owner is not going to be invited to the next birthday bash.

How much real wealth is there?

Moving the porker weight limit up a notch to $5 million
plus means a mere 178,000
taxpayers can be called targetable “rich.”

This also happens to
represent few enough votes to cause real political trouble, but enough
money to end political careers.

Rather than take Starbuck's
Howard Schultz trial balloon as real intent to run as an independent, the
wiser party leaders and finance directors should more correctly view it as
dropping a hint. When one of the biggest boars lets out a growl, it needs to
be taken seriously.

So, beginning with 178,000 hefty pigs in the corral, if
we butcher them all by taking every last penny of their wealth in order to
pay down the national debt, then we could theoretically reduce the total
amount owed by about $4 trillion, leaving a collapsed economy and between
$17 and $18 trillion still due and owing by the new Socialist States of
America.

If AOC wamts to hand all of the “tippy top” harvested
money out in the form of FREE stuff and guaranteed incomes, then her policy
calculates out to be a once in a lifetime windfall of just over $13,000 per
person.Setting the collapsed
economy aside, while this might seem like a big chunk of money, it doesn’t
even pay a first year of FREE college tuition, nor does it pay for a year of
FREE health care in non-adjusted Obamacare dollars. It certainly doesn’t pay
for both, which is what AOC, Bernie, Liz, Kamala, and their followers claim
is a right. Don't forget, the national debt already levies nearly $70,000
per US citizen, so maybe some folks would prefer to reduce their tab to
$57,000? Or would that categorize them as wealthy and not paying their fair
share; thus, subjected to yet higher taxes? Strike one, AOC.

If AOC elects to apportion yearly payments rather than
hand over a lump sum check for $13,000; then, computing based on an average
US citizen lifespan of 78 years, each citizen would be entitled to get a
whopping $167.00. House Leader Pelosi might
say this is not even a full crumb. Even if we change the Constitution to
adopt Elizabeth Warren’s 50 year property confiscation plan (2 percent a
year), the number is still only $ 260 a year – that should fix everything,
right? Wrong. Strike two, Senator.

What if we don’t butcher all the pigs
at once?

Correct, we exaggerated what AOC actually said to make a
point. We would be first to admit AOC never said she wanted to grab all of
it at once. It was Elizabeth Warren who proposed taking a bite out of each
pig every year while keeping them alive for 50 years, kind of like culling
the ever growing herd of rich people. Recall this story - while
commenting on why there was a three legged pig in the barnyard, the farmer
quipped it was such a good and loyal pig the family didn’t want to eat it
all at one time.

As opposed to Warren, AOC merely wanted a ridiculously
huge percentage of the money the richest pigs earn each year. In the
Netherlands, nearly everybody rides a bicycle to work because so little of
their paycheck is left after 70 percent taxation. Instead of keeping what
they earn, they get to smoke pot, so keeping people from getting behind the
wheel seems to work out well for Dutch policy makers.

OK, we get it. Analyzing AOC's plan seems easier said
than done; nevertheless, investment maven and billionaire Warren Buffett,
another liberal bulldog barking away for wealthy folks to pay up, says most
investors generate long term average income of 6.7 percent each year on
their investments. He ought to know, so let’s do the math. Although Buffet's
return estimate may be inflated being a compounded tax free average, we
elected not to reduce it by these factors because even the inflated revenue
number fails badly.

If you are willing to believe that none of AOC’s or Warren’s
pig class assets are tied up in
yachts, jets, mansions, vacation homes, luxury cars, and other non-income
producing property, we were can compute a number using Buffet’s opined
return percentage to estimate gross income for the group. Per AOC’s
prescription, we then took just 70 percent of that amount in order to leave
30 percent in the trough, or more politely stated, a bit of Jet-A still left
in the Hawker. This proposed tax policy would allow AOC and/or Warren to
hand out their “proverbial check” (the value of FREE stuff) in the amount of
$625.00 for each American. Yet again, this number is pathetically short of
the real costs of FREE tuition expenses and/or FREE medical care.

At the 90
percent non-marginal tax rate some liberals prefer, the check amount increases to
$804.00, still far short of funding the liberal mission.
By February 2019, AOC narrowed her statement, saying she only wanted to tax
those people with incomes exceeding $10 million dollars annually; at the
same time, bitterly complaining to the interviewer, "Why should we build a
heliport for Jeff Bezos?" Huh? Did Amazon lose her package? Did he stiff her
on a tip when she was a Manhattan bartender?

Clearly, 2000 rich taxpayers is a small fraction of our 178,000 headcount -
just over 1 percent. We already included AOC's 2000 "tippy" toppers (and
their helipads) in the $625 calculation earlier, so the new number only
drops lower when AOC decides to let some of the pigs out of the gilded pen.
Her one percent of the one percent of the one percent revenue number would
prove immaterial to the size of the federal budget; thus, her idea and
mindset weigh out as basic helipad envy. We can't say if aspirin would
help; but, if AOC's heartache would be reduced by Congressional policy
encouraging rich people to fly commercially, then perhaps she could ask the
TSA folks at Newark Airport to practice up on their people skills? Just a
suggestion to bring both sides of the aisle back together.

Did anyone explain to AOC how brilliant folks like
Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton, might also make $10 million in a
single year even though they are not billionaires? Perhaps Mr. Schumer, who
advocates for New York's entertainment industry, can inform AOC how prior
year Broadway show development losses are limited to a mere $3000 carryover
deduction per year if and only after the box office finally turns a profit.
In plain words, current tax law states if you put $ 15 million into a show
over two years, open the box office, and are lucky enough to make a profit,
you are entitled to a maximum $3000 tax deduction. As a point of fact, Mr.
Miranda struggled for many, many years to achieve his dream of making
Hamilton into today's hit; and, success stories like his are exactly what
makes America great.

Would you bet the farm for the chance to pay 70 or 90
percent of your success to AOC and her socialist gang? Not on your life. Let
people keep more of the money they earn, and it will motivate more. Finally,
everyone should have a little faith the hard working, "comfortable" ones
will adopt their charities and causes, just like Mr. Manuel, Mr. Gates, Mr.
Bezos, and dozens of others.

In every case, giving every benefit of the doubt, our
calculated numbers always fall way below the Pelosi crumb threshold, a whole
crumb being $1000. Non of this insanity will generate FREE college and
health care for America. Our only savior is hard work by everybody. Strike three,
liberal ladies, back on the dugout for all of you.

See you next time America holds an election;
for now, you're all benched.

Is the money just in the wrong hands?

The vast majority of business owners hate firing people
but love handing out bonus checks; knowing all too well firing someone
represents a loss and handing out bonuses means there was extra profit. Fair
minded folks dream of a world where everyone can enjoy free college and
medical care, or even the basics like food and a bed to sleep in. A few
Republican politicians caught flack for sleeping in their offices while
commuting to Washington to help find ways to solve America's problems, but
AOC isn't going to face that kind of challenge in her new DC digs. Back to
point,
history proves no elite class, and no government currency printing press, has
enough financial capacity to make real progress unless a vast
majority of citizens work hard to improve their own standard of living. If
it’s about the economy; then, it’s all about motivating people to work hard.
Kennedy did it and nobody maligned him; in fact, America made it to the
moon. Not only have
socialist governments confiscated all the wealth of a targeted affluent
group and soon failed, a few even targeted their hated rich to be sent off to
work camps in order to glean every last ounce of labor, as if stealing all
their assets was not "moral" enough. Yes, AOC told the interviewer
"moral" with respect to her notion of why Amazon and Mr. Bezos ought to hand
it over. Each time, without exception, these policies
failed catastrophically.

Almost like the theory taught in a first year physics
course, it sometimes seems like money, labor, and, to a some extent, energy,
are all easily interchangeable in a modern economy. An elected leader with
an undergraduate degree in economics merely needs to toss a handful of each
on the scales in just the right amounts and the economic engine will run
magnificently, right? Wrong.

The liberal Lorax may argue there is plenty of free
energy ready for solar and windmill harvesting, but actually capturing that
energy is where reality hits home. If you're thinking this is analogous to
harvesting tax money from the wealthy class, you're getting it. The Lorax is
a story book for children and the central character never actually
calculated the BTU’s in the hundred car coal train which passes through
Hinsdale, Illinois every morning on its way to keeping Chicago working.
No liberal policy prophet bothered to determine how many wind
turbines it takes to replace just one heaping coal car. Even the elite
Kennedys fought the idea of wind farms disrupting their Cape Cod view of the
ocean

. Irrespective of what happens on election day, both the laws of
physics and the principles of economics are unforgiving. In this respect,
being elected is kind of like flying a plane, driving an
eighteen wheeler, or performing live: If you screw up, someone pays. Make
the campaign declaration, "Gravity will reverse," and voters will expect
answers when the ball still falls.

Idealistic liberal Bill de Blasio seems to channel
theories of free energy when he talks about plenty of money in New York
being in the wrong hands. Strike one for Bill. The actual wealth available
falls far short of his political dreams; and, just like building enough
windmills, he utterly fails to address the cost and consequences tied to
harvesting all the free money he thinks is there. Try capitalism, Bill.

It was working pretty well for the last few guys who had the job.

When it comes to tax policy, we must remain wary of
taking assets away from people with proven track records investing capital
to create jobs, income, and wealth. Political elites who have already
amassed trillions in red ink are a bad place to invest our hard earned
savings.

If you owned $10,000 in Apple stock, would you sell it, take
the cash down to your local bartender, and say, "Hey, take this money and see
what you can do with it for me."

The rest of our calculations show President Trump has
already put more money into the hands of ordinary Americans that any of
these whacky socialist ideas ever could. As President Trump achieved all of
this for America, he even got to keep his 757, hotels, golf courses, and
other property. Now, that's a true capitalist - makes other people richer
without losing any of this own money. To add to the chagrin of liberals, mad Maxine Waters even had
to schedule her
recent street protest on a national holiday because so many of her
supporters are now working. Thank you, Mr. President.

All theories of economics and physics set aside,
President Trump simply motivated more Americans to work a little harder than
the last guy who had the job. Obama was focused on things that divide us.
Under President Trump's leadership, enough people were willing to work
hard to
Make America Great Again that America did start becoming great again. He had
their back. Home run.

Join Fellow Patriots for Our Meeting
Please check back soon for our next meeting announcement.About our Citizens in Action Organization meetings...
Citizens in Action is pleased to present new and interesting luminaries,
political leaders, candidates, and subject matter experts every month to help
educate Tippecanoe County and Indiana voters.
Always on Tap:

Letters to
editors and communications
with elected
officials. News/war/scandal/recaps...
What
keeps you awake
at night?
Out of
control
spending? Exploding gasoline prices and electric rates? Political self
dealing?
Retaliatory IRS audits? Secret surveillance? Hypocrisy? Property confiscation?
Who's in your wallet?
Reports from other meetings/national trends/candidates
willing to take action. More...

If you would like to be a featured speaker, please reach out to us via
email.

MISSION STATEMENT:
We will work to restore limited government, fiscal responsibility and responsible, transparent representation through citizen action and education. We recognize that we must exercise constant vigilance in order to preserve the blessings of liberty and to uphold the Constitutions of the State of Indiana and the United States of America.

Recap of Our March 5 Meeting - Pints and Politics With Conservative Leader Todd RokitaSpeaker(s): Todd Rokita, Former US Congressmen and Corporate Executive

Recap of Our February 5 Meeting - Report from the TOP at the Statehouse!Speaker(s): Al Parsons & Mike Morris & YOU

meetingMinutes

Recap of Our January 8 Meeting - Mid Term Election Wrap Up at NEW LOCATION!Speaker(s): Alan & David Ford

Recap of Our March 1 Meeting - Is an EMP a real threat?Speaker(s): Cindy Noe

Cindy gave an impassioned (and disturbing) presentation on the threat of an EMP and catastrophic, long term power failure. She also detailed the general lack of any sense of urgency at the Federal and State levels. Below is a list of books she recommends for further study and action:

Recap of Our February 2 Meeting - The Clean Power Plan and how it affects Indiana:Speaker(s): Stephanie McFarland, APR

Some points to bear in mind when writing your elected officials and the media:

The Clean Power Plan
Impacts on Indiana
AUGUST 3, 2015
President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the finalization of the Clean Power Plan (CPP) – a controversial regulation intended to reduce carbon emissions from U.S. power plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT
• Reduction in sea level -- to the depths of three sheets of paper.
• Reduction in global temperatures -- to .02 degrees Celsius.
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
"Now, one of the ways America is leading is by transitioning away from dirty energy sources that threaten our health and our environment, and by going all-in on clean, renewable energy sources like wind and solar . . ."
LEGAL CHALLENGE
In developing the CPP, EPA abandoned the longstanding interpretation of section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. Rather than set an emission standard based upon what available technology could achieve at... Read full report...

Aaron provided a VERY informative and disturbing presentation of the local Gang situation. He shared the benefit of his 14+ years experience and research as a County Juvenile Probation Officer with us. The 23 patriots in attendance had many questions and comments. Of course, NONE of his clients had 2 parent homes. Things we can do to mitigate? Mentor (Big brother/Big Sister/Scouting/Church Youth Groups/etc. Thanks, all!

Recap of Our December 1 Meeting - Blue Print for Freedom:Speaker(s): Connie Eckert, mother, small business owner, and former teacher

Connie's mixed/multi media presentation was an eye-opening synopsis of how far the Progressive/Left has permeated our society's institutions. Education (public AND parochial)and many churches have fallen in line with Common Core, Agenda 21 et al. But she didn't stop there: Blue Print For Freedom shows us how and where we can push back against this insidious disease by targeting and/or withholding monetary support and our individual efforts. Thanks SO MUCH, Connie! And GOOD LUCK in your upcoming run for the State House (H83)!

Recap of Our November 3 Meeting - CIA Meeting on Religious LibertySpeaker(s): Dr. Ron Johnson, Jr., Senior Pastor at the Living Stones Church in Crown Point, IN

From Al Parsons: "It was an action- packed meeting Tuesday night. Kevin is an excellent speaker. And, to my surprise and that of Mike Morris, our majority leader Sen. Hershman showed up about 15 minutes late. Kevin didn’t know and did a great job, talked about the “fix” being in at the State House.

After he finished, we introduced Hershman. He had been invited but never responded and just showed up. I suspect that will teach him to be more organized.

Hershman spoke for 7-8 minutes, denied the fix was in and wanted to know Kevin’s legislative sources. Of course, Kevin was not going to reveal his confidential sources. Then Hershman berated us a bit for being over concerned, said he would not support the LGBT proposal if it impacted religious freedom, etc.

I watched his face while Kevin spoke. I think he was surprised that the Pastor’s Alliance is organizing. And, I think he got the message that we are going all in to oppose SOJI. Timing was accidental but great! One of our best... Read full report...

James Harris, (MAJ, USA, Retired) spoke for a few minutes on his new position and how he planned to do outreach to area Veteran's. BEST OF LUCK, Jim!
Our table at the Lafayette Gun Show handed out about 100 US and Indiana Constitutions. We collected about 50 names/POC's.
Thanks to Rick Dewitt from the MCTP for helping out!!

Recap of Our September 1 Meeting - Review, Planning and Open Forum UPDATESpeaker(s): YOU

Round table patriot discussions included an update from Paul Morrinville who has been fighting to help inventors preserve intellectual property rights. He discussed how a $1000 per plate dinner in Washington turned Committee members against independent patent owners and in favor of infringing corporations.

Recap of Our August 4 Meeting - The Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC):Speaker(s): John Pickerell of Montgomery County will speak

Presenting to a packed room, Tipmont REMC CEO Ron Holcomb gave his perspective on the electric power future for his customers.

Holcomb reported that the rate of power plant retirements across the country due to proposed environmental regulations can cause reliability risks to the electric grid. The National Electric Reliability Council (NERC) has sent a report to the Environmental Protection Agency urging caution in forced retirement of base-load plants that don’t meet the new requirements. Reducing CO2 levels by 20% can also negatively affect rates. (Some estimates range from 30-60%, editor’s note.)

The CEO noted Tipmont’s generation and transmission company (Wabash Valley) has one of the most diversified power supply portfolios in the state. “This diversity strategy is important to manage the risks presented by all fuel types,” he said.

“Renewables (solar, wind, etc.) are gaining traction… due to declining cost, “he continued. On a residential scale, they are... Read full report...

Recap of Our May 5 Meeting - The Google War on PatentsSpeaker(s): Paul Morinville, US Inventor

Paul Morinville stood up against a multi-million dollar corporate lobby and started winning. He worked at a grass roots level going door to door in Washington, found partners with common interests, and even helped design a new online way for everybody to collaborate. His presentation was an inspiration to everyone who dreams of ending the coin operated, big money controlled law making in Washington.

School safety is both professional and personal for speaker Aaron Gilman. His wife teaches at a county high school and his children are in a county elementary school. This recognized School Resource Officer (SRO) provided an overview of the Tippecanoe County School system safety program.

Recap of Our March 3 Meeting - Planning for 2016 and The American FutureSpeaker(s): Leaders, Members, and Others

This open mic meeting will help shape the American Future. New members were welcomed who shared ideas for 2015. Citizens in Action patriots are already working on state issues like education and writing to Federal regulatory agencies to oppose EPA overreach on air standards affecting our power plants, driving energy costs up. For our Second Amendment friends, we continue to address phony government classification of hunting ammunition to illegal ban sales.

Lee Crannell is one of the founders of the Central Coalition of Indiana Tea Parties which helps patriot groups work together on important issues, including Common Core. He is also recognized in the business community and aerospace industry as a successful executive and leader. Lee addressed how we can join forces and unite our common interests to help Indiana preserve all of the freedom and opportunity afforded by our United States Constitution.

The Constitutional Patriots of Carmel, Indiana understand the Constitutional limits on government and are recognized for nearly 5 years of effectively influencing the Indiana legislature to stay within its boundaries.

"The two enemies of the people are criminals and the government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become a legalized version of the first." - Thomas Jefferson

Recap of Our January 6 Meeting - New Year Kickoff MeetingSpeaker(s): Open Microphone Meeting

Patriots and team leaders joined together to discuss ideas to help grow our ranks in 2015 along with political and social issues which should be on the agenda. Outreach and education programs were discussed along with ideas for the Citizens in Action message and upcoming opportunities to spread the word to other interested and concerned citizens.

Recap of Our December 2 Meeting - The State of the Veterans AdministrationSpeaker(s): A Distinguished Panel

Our December meeting gave panelists an opportunity to share their experiences navigating the bureaucracy encountered by local veterans trying to claim earned VA benefits. Two Gulf War veterans and our local CIA leader described their claim submission processes and the frustrating, never ending re-submission and decision process. The Veterans Administration was planned for representation by Randall ("Randy") Fairchild; however, Mr. Fairchild opened by advising our Patriots that he is not actually an employee or representative of the Veterans Administration. He works for "The Veteran Services Office," a local government function which provides a social worker of sorts to help Veterans understand VA benefits rules. As such, Fairchild is without authority to assure the proper handling of VA claims.

Fairchild explained his mode of assistance as trying to win results through understanding benefits rules while being nice to VA claim handlers on behalf of local Veterans, hopefully catching more flies "with sugar," as he described. Although his point was initially well taken, it soon became clear the Veterans and panelists who relied on Fairchild's assistance had not received decisions or benefits despite years of trying; moreover, one panelist believed Fairchild's initial legal conclusion he did not have a legitimate Gulf War Syndrome claim was ultimately shown to be incorrect, causing a delay in claim filing. Following the meeting, one Patriot reiterated his report that Mr. Fairchild was successful helping a relative with a VA related matter, perhaps in a different timeframe than the present crisis. During the ending of the meeting he shared the related comment, "he is one of the good ones." Other comments, both before and after the meeting, were not as positive.

One of our Patriots suggested the VA might become more efficient if it assigned single case managers to investigate and make claim award decisions rather than floating all claims in a fluid information system where original documents and other submission information currently gets lost. Mr. Fairchild responded with the counter argument the existing staff would spend "all of its time answering the phone." Ironically, on December 4, the news headline "VA Slammed For Not Answering Veterans' Calls For Help" chronicled a new scandal involving massive failure of the new VA hotline perhaps intended to get the apparent "phone" issue articulated by Mr. Fairchild (and apparently others) resolved. The article opened with the words "veterans are furious." Likewise, during the CIA meeting, "furious" response to the phone line point came from this reporter making the strong argument that VA inability to answer its own phones is a management failure and not a legitimate reason for delaying or denying any veteran a legal right to critical health care.

Although it was expressly stated up front the pointed counter argument was not directed at Mr. Fairchild personally, but rather at the the VA managers who are the focus of the national scandal, Fairchild immediately stood and walked out of the meeting. His action appeared consistent with his earlier statement "you catch more flies with sugar" and therefore left this reporter with the new concern VA personnel, but hopefully not Mr. Fairchild, may even be willing to cut off the conversation, therefore the claim process, if the pressure becomes to much to handle or they judge an applicant as a crank or chronic complainer. While VA claim workers may be justifiably sick and tired of being criticized for an Obama administration unable or unwilling to address the needs of veterans, CIA Patriots interested in discovering these and other facts hope the information will be used to improve the system. We would all like to believe the VA is not consciously willing to penalize veterans with PTSD should they express justifiable frustration or anger at unanswered phones and lost paperwork ("originals"), at times causing continued suffering or even death from delay or denial of due and legally owing medical care. Veterans should not suffer discrimination or other emotional blackmail simply because they exhibit anger, one of the most common symptoms of the PTSD resulting from battle trauma (or sometimes traumatic brain injury) or because they came home so sick or dysfunctional they have become homeless. To these points, in 2009 GOP leaders were outraged at suggestions some veterans rights groups had been labeled as "domestic terrorists" simply because their concerns seemed to embarrass the White House; and, as such, the political response was to intimidate them for expressing well grounded frustrations.

The experiences of our panel veterans courageous enough to remain in the meeting revealed more facts and stories of case mishandling which appeared both credible and sincere; unfortunately, Mr. Fairchild diminished his credibility with this reporter by walking out in apparent defense of the VA, or perhaps by misapprehending the points being made. He did not fully explain his reasoning for removing himself from the conversation. Absent Fairchild, one veteran went on to openly explain how a physician who examined him in Danville, Illinois appeared unwilling to accurately record his stated personal medical symptoms related to leg numbness - an essential fact finding element for fair and accurate claim approvals, and more importantly, for keeping fraud out of the process to protect the legal positions of both sides. His wife was present and corroborated his story.

After our Gulf War Veteran panelists told their stories, it was clear they had been diligent, sincere, and as honest as VA officials would permit them to be when making complete and proper claim submissions to the VA, sometimes getting reasonably effective assistance from the Indianapolis VFW; however, (1) the factual medical symptom information they were providing to VA representatives, including answers provided directly to doctors and repeated to them for clarity, was willfully falsified and disregarded on the paperwork under the control of these VA officials (according to one credible Veteran and his wife) and (2) the bureaucratic delays, outdated administrative procedures, malfunctioning web sites, unanswered phone lines, and lost paperwork were compounding claim processing time, causing erroneous denials, and generating unnecessary appeal cycles attempting to get it right after paperwork had been falsified. With respect to web site confusion, it was stated that the local VA services website displays a help link to the "Indiana Veterans' Service Officers' Association" which takes site visitors to a private advertising description and link leading to a retailer of home fireplaces, not the page expected to assist Veterans (unless they were in the market for a new fireplace).

The meeting wrapped up with conclusions about the problematic state of the Veterans Administration and the conclusion some of our local veterans are suffering in ways which appear consistent with national news reports of the VA crisis and its more recent hotline scandal. In a manner of speaking, and literally, this is an agency which is not always answering its phones, but the conversation is bound to continue without them, as will the fraud investigations and lawsuits, none of which will be sugar coated and will likely cost the taxpayers more than it would have cost to administer claims correctly in the first place.

One of our Patriots, Rokita campaign worker Al Parsons, took notes of the disclosures and problems on behalf of Congressman Todd Rokita; nevertheless, the most tangible result of the panel discussion was first hand proof the VA crisis is real and not a creation of Fox News. It seems the VA is not able to provide our Veterans with the legal benefits they earned by serving our country, instead cycling people through a maze of additional submissions, lost paperwork, illegally altered evidence, and additional interview burdens. If frustrated veterans act up, so to speak, it is not clear the VA will really cut them off entirely, but the concern remains present based on words and actions and news reports. Public reports have made it clear the VA quickly retaliates against its own internal whistleblowers; and, there are no assurances it isn't doing the same to those veterans who "act up" during the frustrating and lengthy claim process. These are the symptoms of cover up, not the normal product of an organized administration.

Finally, there were positive comments made about some practicing physicians at the local Soldiers Home, but the trick seemed to be finding a way to see these physicians and psychiatric counselors to obtain needed medical care. As the meeting concluded, the answer Citizens in Action hoped for regarding whether Indiana Veterans are being mistreated was not pleasing. Instead, it seems India

The evening after the polls closed was characterized by weather best described as chilly and rotten, but Patriots sill arrived to discuss how we will grow our ranks and contribute to educating American voters through 2016 and beyond.

Plans include new "missions" which let every Patriot come forward with experience, talent, and motivation to become part of America's new leadership.

Our top focus areas were also presented: Grow membership, promote the US Constitution, and support our local and national candidates who support fiscal responsibility, smaller government, and our Constitution.

After we completed a successful annual business meeting, Patriots shifted locations to watch the election results, hear Republication Todd Rokita accept another term in office, and congratulate Chuck Hockema for taking on Tippecanoe County's toughest and oldest incumbent, almost winning and making it clear her liberal agenda is losing its glitter here in Tippecanoe... Read full report...

Indiana citizens and dedicated Patriots Sue Lile and Dave Read delivered a well researched presentation on the Common Core mandate and agenda, including informative background on how the No Child Left Behind Act evolved as the financial leverage point to force the Common Core political and profit agenda upon the American people.

Education expert Dave Read spent 34 years with education publisher Herff Jones where he held senior executive positions. He is active in his community and Dave is a leader of The Tea Party of Hamilton County. Sue Lile is a small business owner in Zionsville holding equally impressive credentials, including being co-founder of Constitutional Patriots and a Vice President of the Indiana Tea Party. Sue is also serves on the education committee within the Coalition of Central Indiana Tea Parties.

Very few topics impact the long term prospects for America as much Common Core. Its frightening potential to carry out hidden long term political and financial agendas is a central issue... Read full report...

District 27 state representative candidate Chuck Hockema presented important government transparency and tax system issues in an interesting PowerPoint presentation. As if we are not "Taxed Enough Already," Chuck revealed an amazing collection of Indiana taxation programs which simply cost more to administer than they generate in revenue. It is past time to get smart and stop this government waste right here in Indiana.
He presented opportunities bound to have a positive impact on all Hoosiers, and you are encouraged to cast your vote to make Indiana government operate more efficiently and productively for everyone.
Chuck studied economics and finance at Purdue and focused his law school studies on tax issues. He is a lifelong entrepreneur and has started several local businesses.

Lafayette Patriots learned about credentials, experience, and motivations driving two candidates to run for Superior Court 2 Judge:Lafayette Patriots learned about credentials, experience, and motivations driving two candidates to run for Superior Court 2 Judge:

"Superior Court No. 2 is one of seven courts of record in Tippecanoe County. Along with Circuit Court and Superior Court, it hears major criminal cases (murders, Class A, B, C and certain Class D felonies), dissolutions and plenary civil cases. . The judge of Superior Court No. 2 alternates with the other judges in hearing emergency petitions. The Magistrate assists Superior Court No. 2 in conducting initial hearings and setting bond. The Juvenile Magistrate assists in hearing cases involving child support delinquency."

Citizens in Action thanks our candidates and patriots for coming out for this important, pre-election day event. Candidates began by answering planned questions about their qualifications. Of course, Citizens in Action then... Read full report...

Recap of Our July 1 Meeting - The Convention of StatesSpeaker(s): District Captain Diane Gomez

If you think the folks in Washington may be stepping out of bounds, all you need to do is find 34 states to agree with you, then get them all together for a "convention of states." If at least 38 states agree with your idea, the law of the land will change.

Diane Gomez introduced Mark Levin's scholarly book and analysis of Article V of the United States Constitution and discussed Indiana Senate Pro Tempore David Long's Model Legislation for amending the Constitution. Diane provided her thoughts on how this approach to restoring America is becoming real. Patriots tired of Washington excuses, scandal, and waste are seriously exploring this constitutionally sanctioned approach to solving the unprecedented big government dysfunction. Here's how it works:

1. At least 34 states submit applications for a convention dealing with the same subject.
2. Congress then must set a date and time for the start of the convention.
3. The convention drafts language for proposed amendments on the topics... Read full report...

Dave agreed to share his thoughts on the rapidly changing media business, including how this staple of the American breakfast table is changing like never before. Our planned agenda included a two way discussion of news media, editorial content, and politics, including Dave's thoughts on how they all mix... and, then he heard from you.

Dave gave us tips on becoming relevant in the public dialog, including how to approach editors and reporters with a story idea or your opinion. Regardless of whether you're "mad as hell and not going to take it anymore" or just interested in letting folks know about a really cool event, like this one, Dave delivered tips on how to jump over the wall to get yourself, and your ideas, in the news. Dave advised, "It's a little like fishing. You won't catch a fish every time you throw a line in, but keep trying."

Paul Morinville is an Indiana independent inventor, entrepreneur, and founder of Independent Inventors of America, a non-profit inventor support organization. When Washington politicians launched an assault on the US patent system, the private intellectual property rights of patent owners, Paul decided he could not stay home and ignore it.

"Imagine owning a farm where other people show up and grow crops on your land, then keep all the profits. If you try to stop them, the government calls you an evil land owner troll and proposes a law to block you from suing squatters illegally farming on your land. That's what's happening in the world of patents."

The simple bargain you can make with the United States Patent Office is this: When you agree to share your secret, you get a twenty year right to exclusively own your invention - clearly a property right like any other that must be protected by law and the courts. Obviously, patent rights (like any other property rights for that matter)... Read full report...